Methods for identifying compounds that modulate sensory signaling through the taste cell specific G-protein coupled receptor GPCR-B4

Abstract

The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of sensory cell specific G-protein coupled receptors, antibodies to such receptors, methods of detecting such nucleic acids and receptors, and methods of screening for modulators of sensory cell specific G-protein coupled receptors.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for identifying a compound that modulates sensory signaling in sensory cells, the method comprising the steps of:
 (i) contacting the compound with a polypeptide comprising an extracellular domain of a sensory transduction G-protein coupled receptor, the extracellular domain comprising greater than about 90% amino acid sequence identity to the extracellular domain of SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:2; and 
 (ii) determining the functional effect of the compound upon the extracellular domain. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the extracellular domain is linked to a solid phase. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the functional effect is a chemical effect. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the functional effect is determined by measuring binding of the compound to the extracellular domain. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the polypeptide is recombinant. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , Wherein the polypeptide is from a rat, a mouse, or a human. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the polypeptide is expressed in a cell or cell membrane, 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the functional effect is a physical effect. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the extracellular domain of the contacted polypeptide comprises greater than about 90% amino acid sequence identity to the extracellular domain of SEQ ID NO:1. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the extracellular domain of the contacted polypeptide comprises greater than about 95% amino acid sequence identity to the extracellular domain of SEQ ID NO:1. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the extracellular domain of the contacted polypeptide comprises greater than about 90% amino acid sequence identity to the extracellular domain of SEQ ID NO:2. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the extracellular domain of the contacted polypeptide comprises greater than about 95% amino acid sequence identity to the extracellular domain of SEQ ID NO:2.